Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J Wong

Publications and source records attributed to J Wong.

804 records · Page 45Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Nuclear protrusions in cells from cytologic specimens. Mechanisms of formation.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanisms of formation of nuclear protrusions (NPs) encountered in cytologic specimens and specifically the possibility of their being the result of an aberrant division of the cell and to determine how widespread the NP phenomenon is in cells from various tissues. STUDY DESIGN: Six hundred fifty-four cervical smears out of 5,000 with abundant cervical columnar epithelium examined were found to have many cells with NPs (group A). These cells were studied: (A) by light microscopy to define the structure and stages of formation of NPs, (B) by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), (C) by tubulin immunostaining for detection of mitotic spindle-associated microtubular structures, (D) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) utilizing X chromosome probes to monitor chromosomal movement into NPs, and (E) by direct fluorescence microscopy to examine autofluorescence patterns in cells with NPs. Also, tissue sections of 240 cervical cone biopsies, many including intraepithelial neoplasia (group B), were examined for NPs, and sections containing NPs were subjected to TEM. Last, 390 nongynecologic cytologic specimens from various lesions and organs obtained by fine needle aspiration or brushing methods were examined for the presence of NPs. RESULTS: NPs were found in a variety of tissues, epithelial and nonepithelial. Their formation in the cases examined appeared to be related to cell division, as indicated by: the light microscopic findings; the TEM findings (centriole at their tip, indication of spindle formation, nucleolar movement into the NP and suggestion of chromosomal movement as well); positive tubulin immunostaining of centrosome-centriole in NPs and also of the underlying region of the nuclear pole, indicating the presence of microtubules consistent with mitotic spindle; and movement of one X chromosome into NPs, as shown by FISH. CONCLUSION: NPs are formed in cells from a variety of tissues, epithelial and nonepithelial. In many cases they appear to result from aberrant cell division--namely, unipolar mitosis--occurring before prophase events are completed. Another possible mechanism of NP formation not involving cell division is through alteration or remodeling of the cytoskeleton of the cell; that was shown experimentally to produce nuclear volume and shape changes, including formation of protrusions.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Membranous lamellar cytoplasmic inclusions in histiocytes and mesothelial cells of serous fluids. Their relationship to phagocytosis of red blood cells.

OBJECTIVE: To define the composition of cytoplasmic inclusions forming stacks and concentric whorls in histiocytes and mesothelial cells of serous fluids, imparting to them a resemblance to Gaucher cells, and to draw conclusions on the mechanism of their formation. STUDY DESIGN: Three serous fluids (one pleural and two pericardial) containing a fair number of the cells referred to were progressively subjected to the following studies: (1) cytochemistry for mucopolysaccharides, proteins, phospholipids and hemoglobin; (2) immunocytochemistry for immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, IgM and lysozyme; (3) transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and (4) scanning electron microscopy-based energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDAX). RESULTS: All three specimens were blood stained and contained large numbers of histiocytes and mesothelial cells, arranged singly and in groups, with abundant cytoplasmic inclusions. The inclusions stained strongly positive for phospholipids, weakly positive for hemoglobin and negative for all other substances examined by cytochemistry and immunocytochemistry. By TEM the inclusions had a concentric lamellar membranous structure, reminiscent of myelinosomes or lamellar bodies of lipid-forming or -storing cells. There was also phagocytosis by histiocytes and mesothelial cells of red blood cells, which were mostly in a degenerated state. SEM-EDAX of inclusion-bearing cells showed a modest peak for phosphorus and a variable but small peak for iron, which corroborated the cytochemical and TEM findings. CONCLUSION: Since there was not metabolic or other systemic disease in the patients to account for these cells, we posit that phospholipids derived from cell membranes of phagocytized cells, especially red blood cells, provide the building blocks for the formation of such inclusions as they enter the metabolic pathway of phagocytic cells (mesothelial cells and histiocytes) and appear in their lysosomal structures. It is advantageous for cytologists to be familiar with significance of such changes and not to mistake them for metabolic or other systemic disease.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Metabolic clearance of a fat emulsion containing medium-chain triglycerides in cirrhotic patients.

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) may be advantageous in cirrhotic patients, but data on the clearing capacity are lacking. Intravenous fat tolerance test (IVFTT) was performed on 28 cirrhotic patients (Child's A, n = 9; Child's B, n = 13; Child's C, n = 6) to determine the clearance rate of Lipofundin MCT 20%, which contains a physical mixture of MCT and long-chain triglycerides (LCT). The mean fractional elimination rate (k2) of MCT/LCT physical blend in the cirrhotic patients (7.72%/min) was comparable with that of the healthy control subjects (n = 9, k2 = 5.43%/min). Significantly higher serum free fatty acid (FFA) levels were found in the cirrhotic patients during IVFTT. The difference could be accounted for by their higher basal levels. In all patients, serum FFA concentrations returned to basal value at the end of 1 hour. Prompt appearance of glycerol and beta-hydroxybutyrate was seen during IVFTT, indicating that hydrolysis of triglycerides and release of ketone bodies from the liver were rapid. It was concluded that the ability to eliminate MCT/LCT physical blend was not impaired in the cirrhotic patients.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Noonan syndrome associated with moyamoya disease: report of one case.

We report a patient with Noonan syndrome who had repeated transient ischemic attacks. Moyamoya was diagnosed from the image study. In addition, flunarizine therapy seems to be effective in the prevention of recurrent symptoms and signs. The association of Noonan syndrome and Moyamoya has been reported. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case report of an association of the Noonan syndrome and Moyamoya. Further study should ensue.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMedDate not supplied

One-week once-daily triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori--a pilot study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Proton-pump inhibitor-based triple therapy given over one to two weeks is currently one of the recommended regimens for eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Most of these regimens require twice daily intake of medication. The present study explored the possibility of using a one-week once-daily triple therapy in the eradication of H. pylori. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-two consecutive patients with acid-peptic disease associated with H. pylori infection (duodenal ulcer 18 patients; gastric ulcer 8 patients; duodenitis 1 patient; gastritis 5 patients) were prospectively recruited. They were given a 1-week course of lansoprazole 30 mg, clarithromycin modified-release 500 mg, and metronidazole 800 mg, all taken once daily. RESULTS: The age of these 32 patients ranged from 17-89 years with a mean of 57.5 years. Side effects occurred in 5 patients (15.6%; 95% CI: 5.3-32.8%). All patients finished the treatment and underwent a second endoscopy. Positive endoscopic finding was found in one patient (3.1%; 95% CI: 0.07-16.2%). On intent-to-treat and per protocol analysis, the eradication rate was 87.5% (95% CI: 71.0-96.5%). CONCLUSIONS: A one-week once-daily course of lansoprazole, clarithromycin modified release and metronidazole is a safe, well-tolerated, easy to comply with, and efficacious treatment for H. pylori infection. In view of the small sample size, further studies should be performed to validate its effectiveness.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Gastric rupture after Heimlich maneuver and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Choking is a common emergency problem. The Heimlich maneuver is unquestionably effective in relieving airway obstruction. Serious and life-threatening complications may arise, however, if the maneuver is applied incorrectly. Two cases of gastric rupture after Heimlich maneuver are reported. Lay public, paramedics and the medical professionals should be educated with the correct technique of Heimlich maneuver and its potential complications. All patients receiving Heimlich maneuver should be examined by an experienced physician.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Assessing plasma lipid levels, body weight, and hepatic and renal toxicity following chronic oral administration of a water soluble phytostanol compound, FM-VP4, to gerbils.

The purpose of this project was to determine the effect of a FM-VP4 when incorporated into the diet or drinking water on plasma lipids, body weight, and hepatic and renal function following chronic oral administration to gerbils. Gerbils were administered water and food daily containing either no FM-VP4 (controls; n=6), 2% or 4% FM-VP4 incorporated into the gerbil diet (n=6 each treatment group) or 2% or 4% FM-VP4 dissolved in the drinking water (n=6 each treatment group). Body weight and food and water intake were monitored weekly. Following 8 weeks of this regiment blood was obtained via a cardiac puncture and all animals were sacrificed humanely. Plasma obtained from this blood was analyzed for total cholesterol, total triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels by standard enzymatic and precipitation techniques. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels were determined by the Friedewald equation. The plasma was also analyzed for changes in hepatic enzyme (aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT]) and plasma creatinine (renal function) concentrations. 2% and 4% FM-VP4 administration incorporated both into the diet and in the drinking water resulted in a significant decrease in total plasma cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentration compared to controls. Animals administered 4% FM-VP4 in either their diet or drinking water had significantly lower body weight following the 8 weeks of treatment compared to the other groups. Significant differences in daily water intake was observed in all treatment groups with the exception of the 2% FM-VP4 in diet group compared to controls. Significant differences in daily food intake were observed in gerbils administered 2% FM-VP4 in the drinking water and 4% FM-VP4 in the diet and drinking water groups compared to controls. A significant decrease in total plasma triglyceride concentration was observed in gerbils administered 4% FM-VP4 in their drinking water compared to controls. A significant increase in HDL cholesterol concentrations was observed in gerbils administered 2% FM-VP4 in their diet and 4% FM-VP4 in their drinking water compared to controls. No significant elevations in AST, ALT and creatinine concentrations were reported for all treatment groups compared to controls. These findings suggest that FM-VP4 significantly decrease plasma lipids and body weight with no apparent hepatic or renal toxicity.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Confirmation of leucogentian violet in chicken fat by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

A gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) procedure for confirming the identity of leucogentian violet (LGV) in chicken fat was developed for regulatory application. The unused portion of the extract remaining from a determinative procedure was back-extracted into an organic phase, concentrated, and analyzed by GC/MS. Confirmation of the identity of LGV was based on matching the retention times and relative abundances of 6 ions in the extract to corresponding values obtained for the LGV standard. The procedure was validated by replicate analyses of negative control, fortified control, and residue-incurred chicken fat. The presence of LGV was confirmed by the GC/MS procedure in all samples found to contain LGV by prior liquid chromatographic analyses. There were no interferences in the control samples.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Liver transplantation--perspective from Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We report our experience of 27 orthotopic liver transplantations in 26 patients performed at Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong during the period of October 1991 to October 1995. PATIENTS AND METHODS: There were 19 adults and 7 pediatric patients with a mean age of 29 years (range 8 months to 62 years). The underlying liver diseases of the 26 patients were biliary atresia (n = 6), Alagille syndrome (n = 1), primary biliary cirrhosis (n = 2) cryptogenic cirrhosis (n = 2), alcoholic cirrhosis (n = 5), Wilson's disease (n = 1), fulminant hepatic failure (n = 3), polycystic liver (n = 2), secondary biliary cirrhosis (n = 1), HBV cirrhosis (n = 2) and autoimmune hepatitis with hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 1). The pathology leading to re-transplantation in a pediatric patient was post-transplant hepatitis of unknown etiology. The liver grafts were obtained from 19 brainstem dead and 8 living donors. The pediatric patient requiring re-transplantation received a left lateral segment graft from her mother. Two adults received left lobe grafts from their family members. RESULTS: The overall graft survival is 88% and patient survival is 92%. There were only 2 deaths: one patient developed primary graft nonfunction and died from intracerebral bleeding 39 days after transplantation and the other died from graft rejection resistant to salvage by steroid pulse and OKT3. The other patients are well with functioning grafts. CONCLUSIONS: We hope that the current success rate can convince people in our locality in cadaveric organ donation so that living donors do not run the risk of dying from the operation, although the risk is estimated to be very small.

Adult↗